Never blamed Nobbs for London debacle: Shivendra

New Delhi, Aug 24 - India’s star forward Shivendra Singh said it was not chief coach Michael Nobbs but the team’s planning that was responsible for the eight-time Olympic champions’ dismal performance in the 2012 London Games.

“As a team we played poorly. The team’s planning is responsible for our dismal performance in the Games. I have never blamed the coach for the team’s poor show in London,” Shivendra told IANS.

Contrary to media reports, Shivendra said the coach had good relationship with all the players.

“Nobbs has cordial relationship with all the players,” he said.

The Indian team, which missed the Beijing Games, finished last in London for their worst-ever performance at the Olympic Games.

Nobbs was appointed India coach in June last year and his contract runs till the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.